Random Thoughts

Violence, Sex And Taboo: The Original Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales Back In Print

Jacob and Wilhelm were Grimm. Wikimedia Commons By Marguerite Johnson, University of Newcastle Fairy tales have a tumultuous and fragile history. They originated as tales told by “folk”. They were passed down over generations to while away long winter nig ...

Article - The Conversation - Nov 24 2014 - 8:49pm

2014 Retrospective: In Defense Of Treble, It's Not Really All About That Bass

In a popular pop music song called "All About That Bass", accomplished songwriter Meghan Trainor took center stage in a video and America by storm. With an engaging 1940s sound (1) and a positive body image message, it was quickly embraced. Well, ...

Blog Post - Hank Campbell - Dec 9 2014 - 9:52pm

Thanksgiving Science 2014

Tomorrow I will be eating and science will barely be on my mind. It will be on some minds. Some people will be trying to find a creative way to make vegan turkey, or free-range stuffing, and generally avoid all chemicals. Good luck with that. Thanksgiving ...

Article - Hank Campbell - Dec 3 2014 - 12:23pm

Why I'd Say "Yes, Yes!" To The Bad Sex Award

Best to keep it under the covers? Lisa S. By Sally O'Reilly, The Open University ...

Article - The Conversation - Dec 4 2014 - 8:51pm

Diet Is Over

Four months ago I started a diet, as my weight had gone above my comfort zone (77kg, when my optimal weight is of about 70kg). I basically implemented a regime (which has worked in the past) of about 1300 calories a day, cutting mostly on extras (desserts, ...

Blog Post - Tommaso Dorigo - Dec 4 2014 - 4:27pm

Method Research: George Orwell Really Did Have A Stint In Jail As A Drunk Fish Porter

Not Hitler. This is Edward Burton, also known as Eric Arthur Blair, also known as George Orwell By Luke Seaber, University College London ...

Article - The Conversation - Dec 6 2014 - 11:26am

What else could I hope for?

Great- after posting a blog on alpha_strong  and the new CMS measurement of its value yesterday, today I am leaving for the US. My internet connection is going to be shaky during my trip, and right now I am living on the free airport wifi in Paris, waiting ...

Blog Post - Tommaso Dorigo - Dec 8 2014 - 6:52am

Neatly Scattered Papers

Neatly Scattered Papers In an article in Scientific American * on the possibility of time running backwards, the author states: Increasing entropy is a cosmic certainty because there are always a great many more disordered states than orderly ones for any ...

Blog Post - Patrick Lockerby - Dec 10 2014 - 9:33pm

Travel Blog

While I do intend to update this blog today or tomorrow with a report on a nice new measurement, my blogging activities have generally slowed down a bit this week, as I am traveling. On Monday I flew from Venice to Paris and then to Miami (in a brand new A ...

Blog Post - Tommaso Dorigo - Dec 11 2014 - 9:55am

Armchair Socialists More Physically Active Than Armchair Centrists- BMJ Christmas Science

It is often said that the middle of the road is the worst place to drive, yet centrists pride themselves on always arguing the opposite of whatever the conversation is. They believe we should split the difference on all issues, though the actual functioni ...

Article - Hank Campbell - Dec 12 2014 - 11:09am